3 days ago
Tremont Turkey Festival celebrates 59th year with ‘Gobble and Groove' theme
TREMONT, Ill. (WMBD) — It's the time of year where people go and enjoy carnival rides and eat unique food.
The Tremont Turkey Festival is celebrating its 59th year with the theme 'Gobble and Groove', which honors its rich history of live music and puts an emphasis on the acts it brings this year.
'There's just a lot of excitement in the air,' said Brian Dennison, who is general chairman of the festival alongside his wife, Tonya. 'You know, everybody's coming out of school. You get that first thing of summer, and people just show up and have a good time.'
Now if you've never been to the festival before, you may be wondering, 'What is there to do? What is there to get?' Well look no further.
You can get anything from gizzards to a strawberry shortcake at the festival. There is a food line where turkey sandwich meals can be purchased, along with Lil' Gobbler Meals for the kiddos.
Strawberry Shortcakes are cups of shortcake, berries and juice along with a nice helping of whipped cream. They pair well with the strawberry smoothies, which is berries, milk and more whipped cream.
A popular attraction to the TTF is the hot wings and drummies, which are purchased adjacent to the main food line.
Along with the main foods, a pancake breakfast is held on Saturday morning from 6:30 a.m. to 10 a.m., which coincides with events like the 5k and bed races.
What would a festival be without rides? On Thursday night, wristbands are sold for anyone who wants a night of unlimited rides.
The classic Ferris wheel and swings are a staple of the thrill attractions among other rides, paired with classic carnival games.
The event that inspired the theme 'Gobble and Groove' is a big draw of the festival each year, with new additions to the lineup.
Kevin Smith, front man for local band Capt. Quirk and a performer of 70's to current rock and country, kicks off Friday's performances, which is followed up by Tennessee Whiskey, a Chris Stapleton tribute band.
Saturday brings a unique lineup kicked off by Kent Arnsbarger, a steel drum performer, and then followed up by country band Modern Cowboyz and acoustic, progressive bluegrass band Still Shine. The night closes with The Fortunate Sons, a Creedence Clearwater Revival tribute band.
Sunday brings Harlan, Meister, and Mitts, a group performing music from the 60's to the 90's.
The festival closes with the parade which runs through the streets of the village.
If you'd like to volunteer for the festival, click here.
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